07 March, 2008

Justice League Reborn

The familiar faces of the Justice League is getting another makeover for this week’s direct-to-video release.

This time the style, direction is in the fine 1940s art deco style where superheroes have a less modern feel to them. Almost more clear-cut in their design. In a lot of ways, it’s like watching an old cartoon coming to life.

Justice League: New Frontiers is just that. Bringing a sense of style to characters such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. It's a throwback to the golden era of comic books set during the post-traumatic years of the atomic bomb. The animation is much darker with many shadowy conflicts in the backgrounds, lifting away of brightness in favor of more mundane atmosphere.

The story surrounds a celestial being called the Center who is disrupting the psychological thoughts of susceptible audiences. This enormous power, like an old testament God, wields greatness in its ominous presence. But it is disappointed in the direction of the human race as it grows far more violent in its tendencies.

Its mercy is short.

Cleanse the world of the human race and perhaps start all over again.

Some of the images of the film is very startling. The lucid and effective visuals are realistic. The animation remains impressive as the characters come across as lively, larger-than-life personalities. Yet not even Superman could defeat this creature on his own. There calls for a league of superheroes to form a mighty fortress circle of strength.

Several origins were seen here as the Justice League takes shape. Most important is the origin of the Green Lantern voiced by Angel’s David Borendez in which the story revolves around. Hal Jordon is a hotshot air force pilot who is turned into the next Green Lantern due to his good-hearted decency towards humanity. He has a sense of right and wrong which bestows him the power ring that gives him the strength of a superhero.

The green and black costume has great form in the animated film with its vibrant colors.

There are several themes of distrust in the film that reminds of the cold war feelings in the 1950s. The idiot politician Joseph McCarthy and his scare tactics brought about lack of confidence even between the greatest of friends during the 1950s.

Such adult issues as racism is viewed here. In the 1950s there was segreation. There was the threat of communism. The hate for communism or "reds" is served here. Used as a reminder of shame in this documented period in the United States. That the government can easily turn on anyone… even the superheroes.

But there are other characters in the film worth mention.

For Batman fans, they may find the character is not used much. Batman is a supporting character here. But what little is seen in Batman is made up by the intensity of the dark and brooding character. He melts into the living shadows of the Gotham city, hiding him in the deepest alleys.

The animation style makes him look like the Batman of late 1930s with the gloves he wore and the more exaggerated points of the cowl. It makes for a more scary, formidable Batman who relies on fear to stop his enemies.

When the viewers see Batman for the first time in the film, the character is already in hand-to-hand combat. The animation is very beautiful here as he is shown through many fantastic movements. He shifts like the wind, his flowing cape ripples like night.

What is mostly missed is the recognizable voice of Kevin Conroy of the previous Batman animated series. However, Jeremy Sisto does a fine job of matching the gravel-crushed voice that so fits the character.

Superman reminds those viewers of the old Max Fleischer cartoons. He is the balance between different sides. He brings diplomacy to the people already in desperate times. He represents hope. And is a light of all goodness. His true feelings of bringing justice can be seen through his measured words. He like a mythical legend reborn.

All the characters are given the 1940s treatment. The Silver Age is here. Wonder Woman. The Flash. Who is given several good scenes that shows his good humor. Just someone who is looking out for others. The drawings are always well crafted. The details continue to be meticulous throughout the film.

Produced by Bruce Timm who brought us Batman animated series, the film is based on the graphic novel by Darwyn Cooke. Who also has a hand in the visual direction in Justice League: New Frontiers. The chiseled looks and blocky style are very much intended. He wrote the script along with cartoon veteran Stan Berkowitz. There’s a certain loveliness to the way the characters are portrayed.

You don’t have to be a comic book fan to enjoy this. Not at all.

The animation is breathtaking in its simplicity. Anyone could appreciate that. The films talks about issues that have been talked about during the 1950s: such things as racism, leadership.

The superheroes were mere representations of the good possible in humanity.

All that is good to make a better world.

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