SUMMARY: Running Time: 10-11 Min.
Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on December 16, 2016, continuing the storyline re: escaped demons from Episodes 1-2: “Classic Rock” and “Power Outage.” Chasing after fugitive demon Uthool of the Brothers Djinn in Gotham City, an over-confident Batman becomes possessed by the demon. Posing as the Dark Knight, Uthool intends to ignite the Hall of Justice’s radioactive core to force a volcanic catastrophe. It’s up to the League to thwart the mighty Uthool in time, though the team’s headquarters may suffer irreparable consequences. Episode 4: “Abate and Switch,” concludes the “Shazam Slam” four-parter.
The voice cast is:
Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey
Green Arrow: Chris Diamantopoulos
Superman: Jason J. Lewis
Booster Gold & Uthool: Diedrich Bader
Batman: Kevin Conroy
Cyborg: Khary Payton
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:
Previously portraying Batman in Batman: Brave and the Bold, Diedrich Bader steals the show as a hilariously clueless Booster Gold. Doubling as the demonic Uthool, Bader is dynamite with this voice cast, including the always-reliable Kevin Conroy as Batman and Khary Payton’s Cyborg. Though the plot is routine, this episode is still a terrific way to spend about ten minutes, particularly Booster Gold’s one-sided boxing workouts with Batman.
Of course, one 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 won’t likely complain much. The surprisingly entertaining “Shazam Slam, Part 3: Night of the Bat” accomplishes this task well enough.
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).
