SUMMARY: Running Time: 11 Min.
Directed by Curt Geda, this episode first aired in the U.S. on March 11, 2017. Diana Prince and Clark Kent’s date night is interrupted by a mysterious villain wielding an impenetrable force field calling himself Repulse. Despite help from Hawkman, Superman & Wonder Woman discover Repulse’s true identity too late. Infected by a destructive, electro-magnetic force field, Superman’s sole hope necessitates a dangerously close encounter with a black hole.
Superman / Clark Kent: Jason J. Lewis
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince: Rachel Kimsey
Lex Luthor / Repulse: James Woods
Hawkman: Troy Baker
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:
Wisely giving Batman a much-needed episode off, this well-played tale also offers a charming look at Superman & Wonder Woman quietly giving romance a go. Both Jason J. Lewis and Rachel Kimsey are superb innocently playing up the potential romantic angle for these iconic characters. Kimsey, in particular, has a hilarious moment where her Wonder Woman reluctantly admits an unrequited desire to kiss the Man of Steel.
Though it isn’t his best work in this series, James Woods’ condescending Lex Luthor adds an inspired touch. More significantly, writer Jeremy Adams devises a suspenseful crisis affecting Superman while balancing it with Diana & Clark’s private lives. Hawkman has too little to do, but he gets an amusing sight gag glimpsing his teammates’ mutual attraction.
The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, works to its advantage here, as the glowing pink force fields visually stand out. Since the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids won’t likely complain about the mostly unimpressive artwork or the cutesy date scenes. With an abundance of terrific scenes, the entertaining “Repulse!” should certainly satisfy Justice League fans, regardless of age.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).
