SUMMARY: Running Time: 11 Min.
Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on January 21, 2017. Escorting a bottled Mr. Mind back to Earth from the Galactic Court, Superman is ambushed in deep space by rival bounty hunters Lobo and Jonas. It appears that the conniving worm has crossed alien mobster Boss Kack, who has placed a hefty bounty on him. Desperately hitching a ride with Space Cabbie, a weakened Man of Steel needs emergency Justice League back-up. With Hawkman & Superman tangling with Lobo, it’s up to Space Cabbie to thwart a certain worm’s escape during the melee.
The voice cast is:
Superman & Boss Kack: Jason J. Lewis
Hawkman & Jonas: Troy Baker
Lobo: John DiMaggio
Mr. Mind: Oliver Vaquer
Space Cabbie: Patton Oswalt
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:
Packed with writer Paul Dini’s humor, this witty Silver Age-style tale might have made a fine Justice League Unlimited episode. In addition to Mr. Mind’s incessant scheming and Space Cabbie’s collection of selfies with previous League clients, perhaps this short’s best element is the Hawkman vs. Lobo showdown, which resembles DC Comics’ answer to the Foghorn Leghorn vs. Barnyard Dawg feud.
The only off-note is the mace-wielding Hawkman’s generic space cop costume, which is just a blah visual look for the character. Still, voice actor John DiMaggio memorably steals the show with his spot-on interpretation of the dim-witted Lobo.
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 shouldn’t complain too much. “Follow That Space Cab!” delivers a nostalgic treat for super-hero fans, especially those who enjoy DC’s tongue-in-cheek Silver Age tales from the 1950’s and 60’s.
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).
