SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.
Directed by Jake Castorena, this inaugural episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016. It then segues into Episodes 2-4: “Power Outage;” “Night of The Bat;” and “Abate and Switch,” otherwise collectively known as the “Shazam Slam” four-parter. The elderly Wizard is hunted in Gotham City by three demonic hitmen, only to be saved by Batman. Aiding the Wizard in his return to the mystical Rock of Eternity, it’s up to them to save a captive Billy Batson and stop Black Adam’s latest scheme to steal the Power of Shazam.
The voice cast consists of:
Batman: Kevin Conroy
Black Adam: Gary Cole
Billy Batson / Shazam (aka Captain Marvel): Sean Astin
The Wizard (aka Shazam): Carl Reiner
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:
Plot-wise, it’s reminiscent of Batman’s Brave and The Bold cartoon series where the Dark Knight team ups with a guest hero (or heroes) each week. In that sense, as improbable as a Batman/Wizard team-up seems, the concept is still executed in a satisfying manner. Led by the reliable Kevin Conroy’s Batman, the voice cast is absolute spot-on, from Carl Reiner’s doddering Wizard to Gary Cole’s malevolent Black Adam. Sean Astin, in a dual role, is ideal portraying Billy Batson and the World’s Mightiest Mortal (making it readily clear to any confused young fans that Shazam/Captain Marvel is still Billy).
The only significant difference is the episode’s chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids shouldn’t complain too much. “Shazam Slam, Part 1: Classic Rock” accomplishes its job well enough.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
Note: This episode is also on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series.
