Justice League Season Two on DVD
It comes just in time for “Superman Returns,” the long awaited theatrical icon flying on the big screens. It’s no surprise that the excellent cartoon series “Justice League” makes it to a 4-DVD collection on June20.
I used to have the Cartoon Network a few years ago when they were regularly showed Justice League. I stopped. Not because I got bored. Not because I turned to something else on TV. Cable was getting too costly. I hate expenses.
So I didn’t get to see Justice League season two. I missed out a lot. It’s good to have DVDs. I had some some catching up to do. Twenty-six episodes in fact.
Season two picks up where the previous chapter left off. Some subtle differences. The stories are tighter, the characters more driven. The animation is... amazing. Computer graphics mesh with the usual animation in a visual treat. Season two of Justice League blows open the doors.
I really like this stuff. It makes me care about the characters again. It’s difficult when you get seven different iconic heroes, each different from the other, but this show manages to bring each into the spotlight. Over and over again. Everyone has their own story arcs which follows with plot twists. You learn something about these characters. And the problems that arise which makes them superheroes.
I follow these cartoons mainly for one thing… the Batman. His dark, mysterious persona, against the backdrop of a lonely life, sets the mood for the series. Kevin Conroy provides the voice here. Which I like. He’s got a grainy, authoritative tone that is like crushed glass. His voice recognizable.
Kevin Conroy is Batman. He’s given the character a life throughout the “Batman Animated series” during the 90s and as the aging, bitter Bruce Wayne in “Batman Beyond.” He’s probably done at least ten seasons worth. There’s a consistency. No one else can do the voice. Conroy owns it.
The problem with the previous season (and my only complaint) is that Superman seems to a bit weak. He’s supposed to be, well… Superman. Yet this season two shows a more powerful Superman. He kicks ass here. He even headbutts someone… which is usually Batman’s move. Superman excels as the one hero who is a symbol… bigger, grander than everything… he represents America. Not bad for a boy who grew up on a farm in Kansas.
There’s an interesting story about the Green Lantern Corps in “Hearts and Minds”… you learn more about the Lantern history which stretches far back. And there are other Lanterns who give their own lives to make good just as John Stewart would. They're a military group very much like Hawkgirl’s species. A favorite episode of mine is “Maid of Honor” which continues to explore the relationship between Batman and Wonder Woman. I really like those scenes which revolve around Bruce Wayne… seeing Batman outside of the suit brings an earthly quality to the series.
The animation is well done throughout… which is obviously inspired by Japanese animation. The drawings are sleeker, finer, with plenty of shadows to define their features. They’re well matched with the strong stories… much bigger stories. Often they bring back the muli-pieced Injustice League led by mastermind Lex Luthor. Even he has his many moments… such as “Tabula Rasa” and also he brings a moment of comfort to Lois after learning Superman’s apparent death. These confined moments make the series thrive. The writing makes it worth seeing.
And continue on for the last episode “Starcrossed” which could very easily end the series as a Justice League member leaves on bad terms. I won’t tell you which one. But it could make for a good final chapter, a memorable story. But the series hits its target every time with excellent quality. A super addition to any cartoon enthusiast’s collection.
I used to have the Cartoon Network a few years ago when they were regularly showed Justice League. I stopped. Not because I got bored. Not because I turned to something else on TV. Cable was getting too costly. I hate expenses.
So I didn’t get to see Justice League season two. I missed out a lot. It’s good to have DVDs. I had some some catching up to do. Twenty-six episodes in fact.
Season two picks up where the previous chapter left off. Some subtle differences. The stories are tighter, the characters more driven. The animation is... amazing. Computer graphics mesh with the usual animation in a visual treat. Season two of Justice League blows open the doors.
I really like this stuff. It makes me care about the characters again. It’s difficult when you get seven different iconic heroes, each different from the other, but this show manages to bring each into the spotlight. Over and over again. Everyone has their own story arcs which follows with plot twists. You learn something about these characters. And the problems that arise which makes them superheroes.
I follow these cartoons mainly for one thing… the Batman. His dark, mysterious persona, against the backdrop of a lonely life, sets the mood for the series. Kevin Conroy provides the voice here. Which I like. He’s got a grainy, authoritative tone that is like crushed glass. His voice recognizable.
Kevin Conroy is Batman. He’s given the character a life throughout the “Batman Animated series” during the 90s and as the aging, bitter Bruce Wayne in “Batman Beyond.” He’s probably done at least ten seasons worth. There’s a consistency. No one else can do the voice. Conroy owns it.
The problem with the previous season (and my only complaint) is that Superman seems to a bit weak. He’s supposed to be, well… Superman. Yet this season two shows a more powerful Superman. He kicks ass here. He even headbutts someone… which is usually Batman’s move. Superman excels as the one hero who is a symbol… bigger, grander than everything… he represents America. Not bad for a boy who grew up on a farm in Kansas.
There’s an interesting story about the Green Lantern Corps in “Hearts and Minds”… you learn more about the Lantern history which stretches far back. And there are other Lanterns who give their own lives to make good just as John Stewart would. They're a military group very much like Hawkgirl’s species. A favorite episode of mine is “Maid of Honor” which continues to explore the relationship between Batman and Wonder Woman. I really like those scenes which revolve around Bruce Wayne… seeing Batman outside of the suit brings an earthly quality to the series.
The animation is well done throughout… which is obviously inspired by Japanese animation. The drawings are sleeker, finer, with plenty of shadows to define their features. They’re well matched with the strong stories… much bigger stories. Often they bring back the muli-pieced Injustice League led by mastermind Lex Luthor. Even he has his many moments… such as “Tabula Rasa” and also he brings a moment of comfort to Lois after learning Superman’s apparent death. These confined moments make the series thrive. The writing makes it worth seeing.
And continue on for the last episode “Starcrossed” which could very easily end the series as a Justice League member leaves on bad terms. I won’t tell you which one. But it could make for a good final chapter, a memorable story. But the series hits its target every time with excellent quality. A super addition to any cartoon enthusiast’s collection.
posted by K.M. Paters at 7:21 PM
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