Month: February 2021

SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, the last episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2018.  In Gotham City, Booster Gold’s book signing event is ruined by a disgruntled, time-traveling villainess known as Red Velvet.  Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow are baffled by this new threat, but a befuddled Booster may know far more than he realizes.  The scorned Red Velvet’s sabotage of Watchtower Island ignites a devastating volcanic eruption. 

Booster Gold: Diedrich Bader                                              

Red Velvet / Margo Montgomery: Dania Ramirez

Green Arrow: Chris Diamantopoulos                                  

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:

Working off an inspired script, Justice League Action goes out with a worthy bang. As yet another Booster Gold showcase, this episode is probably the character’s best contribution to the series. Including guest star Dania Ramirez, the voice cast is in top form exploring Booster’s self-involved past, present, and future.  Diedrich Bader’s repartee with Ramirez, in particular, is a storytelling gem.  The only parental concern might be the amusing depiction of marital strife, but older kids and adults will easily get this innocently-played humor. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, corresponds well with this sitcom.  Considering its target audience clearly extends past the age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should get chuckles out of “She Wore Red Velvet.” 

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 June 2, 2018.  With the League on an off-world mission vs. the Red Lantern Corps, Plastic Man & Krypto supervise the Watchtower.  When Red Lantern Dex-Starr covertly infiltrates the League’s base, only the Dog of Steel realizes the conniving alien feline’s scheme to initiate a Red Lantern invasion.  It’s up to Krypto to summon some emergency super-help to battle Dex-Starr and his cohorts. 

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder                                                      

Superman / Red Lantern Dex-Starr: Jason J. Lewis

Red Lantern Atrocitus: Michael Dorn                         

Krypto / Streaky: Rachel Kimsey

Supergirl: Joanne Spracklen                                                   

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Notes: Wonder Woman; Cyborg; Martian Manhunter; Flash; and Hawkman make non-vocal cameos.  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 an over-reliance on mild potty humor (i.e. several litter box gags), the ultra-likable Pets of Steel deliver an entertaining romp. Too bad that Ace the Bat-Hound isn’t included in this episode, but still two super-pets are plenty in terms of the necessary hijinks.  

Plastic Man’s kitchen comedy act with Dex-Starr is a fun bit, but Dex-Starr’s kitty box dilemma is pushed too often. The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, corresponds well with this sitcom.  Considering this episode’s target audience extends past the age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should get some chuckles out of this cheesy Pets of Steel showcase.

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 Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 1, 2018.  After a Kansas tornado crisis, a great ‘what-if’ pondered by Superman & Supergirl sets in motion the reality-warping of Mr. Mxyzptlk’s latest prank. 

The now -“Kasnian” Man of Steel is now a slight variation of his rigid Soviet incarnation (specifically, DC Comics’ Superman: Red Son alternate reality). His super-cousin is now a vapid Hollywood mega-celebrity fixated on reality television.  Mxyzptlk chimes in as her abrasive agent: “Morty.”  In this reality, the Justice League no longer exists to possibly interfere.  Naturally, the two blustery super-rivals face off for supremacy, leaving Booster Gold caught up in their feud. 

Supergirl: Joanne Spracklen

Superman: Jason J. Lewis                                                      

Booster Gold: Diedrich Bader                                                 

Mr. Mxyzptlk / “Morty:” Gilbert Gottfried

TV Broadcaster: Uncredited                                                    

Red Carpet Onlooker: Uncredited

Notes: The broadcaster presumably was voiced by Jason J. Lewis or possibly Diedrich Bader.  Joanne Spracklen probably also voices the onlooker’s single line.  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 one character’s implied death (which is magically undone), this Twlight Zone spoof is well-played entertainment.  Voice actors Diedrich Bader and Gilbert Gottfried’s repartee pushing Booster Gold’s idiocy to hilarious effect pestering Mxyzptlk practically steals the show. 

Joanne Spracklen’s take on Supergirl shines, as does Jason J. Lewis voicing a stern Eastern European accent for Superman.  Their Kansas scenes for Superman & Supergirl add the precise touch of poignant humor.  It’s a welcome balance to the episode’s parody of Superman & Supergirl, not to mention its good-natured skewering of Rod Serling and the Kardashians. 

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, meshes remarkably well with this creative sitcom.  Though youngsters may not recognize an obvious homage to The Twlight Zone, the spoofy “Mxy Zone” TV show intro is an inspired gag that hopefully resurfaces in DC Comics.  Considering this episode’s target audience is wide open, even adult fans should appreciate this delightful Justice League caper.    

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 this series’ second half).   

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 31, 2018.  Conjuring up a new prank, Mr. Mxyzptlk exploits Uncle Dudley’s hurt feelings when young Billy Batson asks him to refrain from joining Shazam’s crime-fighting.  Posing as Shazam’s Wizard, Mxyzptlk transforms a naïve Dudley into the all-powerful ‘Captain Bamboozle.’  Overplaying his new super-hero role, Dudley may still be the League’s best hope containing a downtown crisis that Mxyzptlk has unleashed.       

Dudley H. Dudley / Captain Bamboozle: John Astin                

Shazam / Billy Batson: Sean Astin

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Mr. Mxyzptlk / fake Wizard: Gilbert Gottfried

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Red Tornado: No Vocals

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:

Several major elements stand out in this well-played caper.  First, the inspired pairing of father-and-son John Astin and Sean Astin as Uncle Dudley and Shazam/Billy merits kudos — the Astins simply nailed it.  Second, restoring Dudley’s befuddled ‘Uncle Marvel’ persona (even under the new alias of Captain Bamboozle) is terrific comedy, particularly since John Astin sells the character so well. 

There’s also the presence of Gilbert Gottfried’s improved Mxyzptlk, which isn’t quite as ear-grating as his previous appearance.  This episode’s writing smartly finds a way for the obnoxious Fifth Dimension imp to harass other Justice Leaguers besides Superman.  Lastly, utilizing Mxyzptlk and Felix Faust together is a great idea — perhaps DC Comics will see fit to give them an actual team-up bedeviling the League. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is kicked up a notch here.  Considering this episode’s target audience is for ages 10-and-under, there is also poignant humor for nostalgic adults to appreciate in this delightfully silly Justice League adventure.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                          8 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 May 30, 2018.  Aboard a Justice League starship, Batman is transporting Kanjar Ro to a deep space prison.  Meanwhile, Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern inadvertently loses his power ring at an intergalactic rest stop.  Scrambling to track down the evidently-stolen ring, a powerless Hal Jordan pursues his prime suspect, Lobo, with some help from Space Cabbie. 

Subsequently retracing his steps to the rest stop, Hal tries confronting another possible thief.  Of course, the even worse alternative is sheepishly admitting to Batman how he got into this predicament in the first place.

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Josh Keaton                                                       

Batman: Kevin Conroy

Space Cabbie Patton Oswalt                                                                             

Lobo: John DiMaggio

Navigational System: Grey Griffin

Notes: Due to his inexplicably black-colored hair, Hal Jordan could pass for Kyle Rayner in this episode.  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:

The premise for this Green Lantern action-comedy is ingenious, as Justice League Action’s chintzy animation is ideal for this style of humor.  For instance, the unstable worm hole that Space Cabbie and Hal pass through as a shortcut has an amusing optical effect re: their distorted faces.  The same applies to Lobo’s facial expression after being dragged during Hal’s space-motorcycle joyride. 

For the most part, the storyline is pretty good except for one huge logic gaffe re: Hal’s emergency oxygen belt.  For a lengthy chase sequence, Hal’s uncharged oxygen belt somehow still protects him in space.  Yet, a later twist re: this same depleted belt forces Hal to desperately try recovering his ring before he fatally suffocates.  Hence, the script’s inconsistencies re: Hal’s ultra-convenient failsafe somewhat diminish an entertaining romp.      

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 May 29, 2018.  Secretly selling Justice League Watchtower tours for extra cash during his monitor duty shift, Booster Gold’s moonlighting backfires.  Inadvertently setting off the base’s inner defense systems, Booster and his villainous tour group (each of whom are in undercover disguise) must scramble to survive.    

Booster Gold: Diedrich Bader                                                  

Granny Goodness: Cloris Leachman

Joker: Mark Hamill    

Toyman: Ken Jeong                                        

Jackie: Rachel Kimsey                         

Batman: Kevin Conroy            

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:

Somehow, this can’t-miss sitcom premise almost does. Considering it’s another spoofy Booster Gold showcase, Diedrich Bader keeps Booster’s wise-guy attitude from becoming ultra-tiresome.  Guest spots from Cloris Leachman, Ken Jeong, and Mark Hamill are well-played, but they are given too little to do.  Had some unsuspecting League members passed though, it might have boosted the hilarity factor.  Yet, all viewers get is a fast Batman cameo.     

Curiously, two animation gaffes evidently weren’t caught during the episode’s editing.  In one instance, the Joker’s disguise permanently loses a shoe, but then he has the shoe back in a later scene.  Soon afterward (and correctly), the missing shoe is gone again.  However, that goof isn’t nearly as bad as the misspelling of “Unknown” on a Watchtower monitor screen.  At any rate, “Watchtower Tours” offers some chuckles, but there isn’t enough LOL humor to qualify as one of the series’ better comedies.               

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             6 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 December 2, 2017.  After thwarting Solomon Grundy’s wintry rampage with Plastic Man, Green Arrow hosts the League’s Christmas party.  Due to a scheduling conflict at S.T.A.R. Labs, Plastic Man brings along a heavily-tranquilized Grundy to join the team’s festivities. 

While Batman’s reluctant presence further stirs the party up, the League appreciates the archer’s best efforts to entertain them.  Yet, could an inspired Grundy’s latest escape lead to one more holiday surprise?        

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                             

Flash: Charlie Schlatter

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Zatanna Zatara: Lacey Chabert                                              

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Green Arrow: Chris Diamantopoulos                                       

Solomon Grundy: Fred Tatasciore                                           

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder

Female Reporter: Uncredited                                                  

Keely (female child): Uncredited

Notes: Multiple Leaguers (i.e. Supergirl, the female Dr. Light, Black Canary, Mr. Terrific, Martian Manhunter, and Dr. Fate) appear in the background as non-speaking cameos.  A Tom & Jerry cartoon on television makes a cameo.  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:

Who would have predicted Tom & Jerry appearing in Justice League Action?  It’s one of many welcome elements in the League’s Christmas party, including a decent change-of-pace for Solomon Grundy (no matter all the clichés).  Another gem is the unlikely sight of Green Arrow’s efforts to impress a grumpy Batman – one would think he’d be instead trying to catch Black Canary under the mistletoe. 

The gag involving two Leaguers getting the same cheapo Secret Santa gift is another fun gag.  While it’s delightful for the animators to include so many Leaguers into background cameos (for the first time since Justice League Limited), the resulting problem is disappointing.

Relying on a series of single background shots, various Leaguers appear frozen in place (usually two at a time) while only the episode’s central players actually move and talk.  Though this cost-effective maneuver is a new low for the program’s chintzy animation, this terrific episode is worth catching.  The ensemble cast’s vocal work alone is a wonderful asset.     

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 November 17, 2017.  Lex Luthor attempts to sabotage Superman and Flash’s charity race by siphoning access to the Speed Force.  By doing so, Luthor has gained his own super-speed and the ability to effectively halt time.  With the League outmatched trying to thwart Luthor’s raid of S.T.A.R. Labs, it’s up to the their last three standing heroes to catch up to Luthor’s fast getaway.   

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                             

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey

Green Lantern (Hal Jordan): Josh Keaton                                

Lois Lane: Tara Strong

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Lex Luthor: James Woods                                                       

Flash: Charlie Schlatter

Chronos: Andy Richter                                                              

Notes: Hawkman & Firestorm appear in non-speaking cameos.  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:

Revisiting the Flash vs. Superman ‘fastest man alive’ race concept, this storyline doesn’t offer any surprises.  Yet, its entertaining script overcomes the series’ chintzy animation by playing off the Justice League’s teamwork.  James Woods’ condescending rendition of Lex Luthor is spot-on, as even he acknowledges how grating the whiny voice of Andy Richter’s Chronos is.  Charlie Schlatter’s Flash and Tara Strong’s Lois Lane also contribute solid vocal performances. 

If anything, this episode’s ironic last scene is an amusing treat.  While “Race Against Crime” isn’t among the series’ best entries, it’s still one worth watching.  

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).