SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.
Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016, continuing the storyline re: escaped demons from Episode 1: “Classic Rock.” Escaping prison, the Parasite merges with a fiery demon, Calythos, who belongs to the Brothers Djinn, who have escaped the Rock of Eternity. Siphoning off Superman and Wonder Woman’s combined powers, Calythos intends to force an intense volcanic catastrophe to revert Earth back to its primordial existence. The two Leaguers must summon some ideal help. Episodes 3-4: “Night of The Bat” and “Abate and Switch,” finish the “Shazam Slam” four-parter.
The voice cast is:
Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey
Jimmy Olsen & Parasite: Max Mittelman
Superman: Jason J. Lewis
Martian Manhunter: Crispin Freeman
Batman (cameo): Kevin Conroy
Calythos: David Lodge
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:
For the most part, Power Outage is a great Superman/Wonder Woman team-up. Supported by a few humorous bits with Jimmy Olsen, this episode is a fun way to spend ten minutes. Jason J. Lewis’ Superman continues the low-key style shared by Tim Daly and George Newbern from Superman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited. Rachel Kimsey’s energetic Wonder Woman is a delight in playing up her powerhouse presence. David Lodge’s sneering Calythos is a hoot, as Lodge’s voice perfectly matches this animation style. The only off-note is that Crispin Freeman’s Martian Manhunter too closely replicates the Red Tornado’s nasally mechanical voice previously heard in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
One also has to consider 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 2: Power Outage” accomplishes its job relatively well.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 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).
