Vin
11-06-2001, 09:57 AM
I, one of the younger of the reviewers here at Toon Zone, have never read any comic books. However, I was a huge fan of "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Batman Beyond," and a casual fan of "Superman: The Animated Series." My favorite episodes of "Superman" were the Apokolpis story lines. These stories portrayed Superman as human, capable of being manipulated, making mistakes, but in the end, defeating the evil. However, defeating the protagonist came with a price though and Superman's reputation was ruined in Metropolis. Those episodes were by far the best ones, along with the stories involving team ups, which included Batman, Green Lantern Kyle Rayner, The Flash, and Aquaman, among others teaming up with the Man of Steel. This being said, it seemed like a natural choice for a "Justice League" series that would feature a group of seven superheroes. I for one was overly enthused when I heard that a "Justice League" series was in development. So, with out further adieu, my review of "Justice League"...
1
<p align="center">http://news.toonzone.net/images/jlfly.jpg </p align>
For many years, fans have been hoping and praying for a "Justice League of America" series that would do justice to the original comics published by DC Comics. Too often, superhero shows featured corny dialogue and weak plots, much like the 1970's "Superfriends" and it's various incarnations. However, their prays were answered when Cartoon Network announced in January 2001 that Emmy award-winning writer and producer, Bruce W. Timm was developing a "Justice League" ("JL") series for the network. The network was so pleased with Timm and his crew, that they ordered initial twenty-six episodes. Timm previously worked on the Emmy award winning series, "Batman: The Animated Series," "The New Batman/Superman Adventures" and "Batman Beyond."
The plot is enjoyable, but seems as if it had been done before. Without revealing too much information, the basic plot revolves around an alien invasion. Alien invaders have secretly inhabited Earth for two years and are now planning to take over the entire planet. Batman realizes that something is up and goes to investigate one of the many Wayne Enterprises buildings, which happened to be in Metropolis. In doing so, he meets up with Superman, who comes to assist him and who also appears to have regained the trust of the people of Earth after the “Superman” finale. The two later go and rescue J'onn J'onzz and then the real adventure begins.
Visually, the series is stunning. However, fans of Timm's previous series will notice an immediate change when viewing "Justice League." The animation style is a hybrid of the "The New Batman Adventures" and "Batman Beyond." Like "Batman Beyond," the series' style has many anime influences to it. The animation is fluid and exciting to watch. The character designs for the most part are excellent, especially the alien invader designs. The backgrounds are far more detailed than previous series, as Timm had promised. Metropolis also looks a bit more modern and realistic than it had before in "Superman: The Animated Series."
For the most part, the voicing on "Justice League" is good. George Newbern's Superman sounds similar to that of Tim Daly's Superman, albeit, a younger, inexperienced Daly. At times, Newbern sounds much like Daly, but when excited, he comes off sounding like a young Superman. At the very least, he is tolerable. Kevin Conroy's Batman is great as always. Conroy had voiced Batman/Bruce Wayne in every animated "Batman" series and movie in the nineties, as well as, voiced an elderly Bruce Wayne in "Batman Beyond" and its movie, "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker." Carl Lumbly is superb as J'onn J'onzz, providing some added depth to the character. Susan Eisenbeg voices a somewhat convincing Wonder Woman/Princess Diana. Michael Rosenbaum provides the comic relief and is enjoyable at times. There are a few times though that he comes off being a little too arrogant and annoying. Certain chemistry starts developing in the pilot between The Flash and Green Lantern. However, Phil LaMarr's (Samurai Jack, Static Shock) Green Lantern is not too impressive. Lamarr, an extremely talented voice actor, simply sounds too much like a Shaft/bad ass rip-off. Hawkgirl, voiced by Maria Canals, doesn’t have too many lines, so it is hard to judge her performance. Hopefully, we'll hear more of her in the episodes to come.
For the most part, it seems as if some of voice actors can't provide the right emotions when they are needed. As a result, some characters come off looking emotionless. However, as the series progresses, the voice actors will likely improve.
Warner Bros. Animation series of the nineties are all well known for their great music. However, the music on "Justice League" is somewhat disappointing. The pilot that Toon Zone received may only contain a temporary track until the show officially premieres, though. The music is not moving and does not seem to bode well with the scenes, unlike "Samurai Jack," which features fantastic music scored by James L. Venable.
What I really feel "Justice League" is lacking though is secondary characters. With the notable exception of Snapper Carr, there really aren't any. In "Batman: The Animated Series," secondary characters like Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, etc. helped the series greatly. In "Superman: The Animated Series," there was Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and to a lesser extent, Perry White and Dan Turpin, who helped the series greatly. They helped show that the superheroes were human too.
Then again, it wouldn't be fair to compare "Justice League" to "Batman: The Animated Series." They are two distinctly different series; "B: TAS" is more of a detective adventure drama, which "JL" is a sci-fi adventure drama. The whole scope and feel of "Justice League" is so different compared to any other DC related animated series Timm has done in the past. This is not unlike when "Batman Beyond" first started and many "B: TAS" fans didn't know what to make of it because it wasn't what they were used to. "Justice League" just has a huge epic feel to it, which makes it different than any of the previous series done before.
"Justice League" is definitely the best superhero team show ever, beating out the likes of "X-Men: The Animated Series" and "Superfriends," which were all flawed. However, as mentioned above, "JL" has its flaws. Does this make "JL" bad? No way! Can this show be better though? Yes, it can be, but one must realize that this is only the pilot episode and the story is just beginning to unfold. Many, many stories are still come, which look to incite new viewers who may have never heard of Green Lantern or Martian Manhunter before, while still attracting the audience who have been loyal fans for years. This reviewer most certainly enjoyed the pilot. Bruce W. Timm and his talented team of writers and artists at Warner Bros. Animation have delivered once again. The future looks very exciting, as "Justice League" will only get better. Teamed with "Samurai Jack," Monday nights are truly "must see" television on Cartoon Network.
Rating out 10, 1 being the worst, 10 being the best:
7/10 - Recommended
1
<p align="center">http://news.toonzone.net/images/jlfly.jpg </p align>
For many years, fans have been hoping and praying for a "Justice League of America" series that would do justice to the original comics published by DC Comics. Too often, superhero shows featured corny dialogue and weak plots, much like the 1970's "Superfriends" and it's various incarnations. However, their prays were answered when Cartoon Network announced in January 2001 that Emmy award-winning writer and producer, Bruce W. Timm was developing a "Justice League" ("JL") series for the network. The network was so pleased with Timm and his crew, that they ordered initial twenty-six episodes. Timm previously worked on the Emmy award winning series, "Batman: The Animated Series," "The New Batman/Superman Adventures" and "Batman Beyond."
The plot is enjoyable, but seems as if it had been done before. Without revealing too much information, the basic plot revolves around an alien invasion. Alien invaders have secretly inhabited Earth for two years and are now planning to take over the entire planet. Batman realizes that something is up and goes to investigate one of the many Wayne Enterprises buildings, which happened to be in Metropolis. In doing so, he meets up with Superman, who comes to assist him and who also appears to have regained the trust of the people of Earth after the “Superman” finale. The two later go and rescue J'onn J'onzz and then the real adventure begins.
Visually, the series is stunning. However, fans of Timm's previous series will notice an immediate change when viewing "Justice League." The animation style is a hybrid of the "The New Batman Adventures" and "Batman Beyond." Like "Batman Beyond," the series' style has many anime influences to it. The animation is fluid and exciting to watch. The character designs for the most part are excellent, especially the alien invader designs. The backgrounds are far more detailed than previous series, as Timm had promised. Metropolis also looks a bit more modern and realistic than it had before in "Superman: The Animated Series."
For the most part, the voicing on "Justice League" is good. George Newbern's Superman sounds similar to that of Tim Daly's Superman, albeit, a younger, inexperienced Daly. At times, Newbern sounds much like Daly, but when excited, he comes off sounding like a young Superman. At the very least, he is tolerable. Kevin Conroy's Batman is great as always. Conroy had voiced Batman/Bruce Wayne in every animated "Batman" series and movie in the nineties, as well as, voiced an elderly Bruce Wayne in "Batman Beyond" and its movie, "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker." Carl Lumbly is superb as J'onn J'onzz, providing some added depth to the character. Susan Eisenbeg voices a somewhat convincing Wonder Woman/Princess Diana. Michael Rosenbaum provides the comic relief and is enjoyable at times. There are a few times though that he comes off being a little too arrogant and annoying. Certain chemistry starts developing in the pilot between The Flash and Green Lantern. However, Phil LaMarr's (Samurai Jack, Static Shock) Green Lantern is not too impressive. Lamarr, an extremely talented voice actor, simply sounds too much like a Shaft/bad ass rip-off. Hawkgirl, voiced by Maria Canals, doesn’t have too many lines, so it is hard to judge her performance. Hopefully, we'll hear more of her in the episodes to come.
For the most part, it seems as if some of voice actors can't provide the right emotions when they are needed. As a result, some characters come off looking emotionless. However, as the series progresses, the voice actors will likely improve.
Warner Bros. Animation series of the nineties are all well known for their great music. However, the music on "Justice League" is somewhat disappointing. The pilot that Toon Zone received may only contain a temporary track until the show officially premieres, though. The music is not moving and does not seem to bode well with the scenes, unlike "Samurai Jack," which features fantastic music scored by James L. Venable.
What I really feel "Justice League" is lacking though is secondary characters. With the notable exception of Snapper Carr, there really aren't any. In "Batman: The Animated Series," secondary characters like Commissioner Gordon, Alfred, etc. helped the series greatly. In "Superman: The Animated Series," there was Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and to a lesser extent, Perry White and Dan Turpin, who helped the series greatly. They helped show that the superheroes were human too.
Then again, it wouldn't be fair to compare "Justice League" to "Batman: The Animated Series." They are two distinctly different series; "B: TAS" is more of a detective adventure drama, which "JL" is a sci-fi adventure drama. The whole scope and feel of "Justice League" is so different compared to any other DC related animated series Timm has done in the past. This is not unlike when "Batman Beyond" first started and many "B: TAS" fans didn't know what to make of it because it wasn't what they were used to. "Justice League" just has a huge epic feel to it, which makes it different than any of the previous series done before.
"Justice League" is definitely the best superhero team show ever, beating out the likes of "X-Men: The Animated Series" and "Superfriends," which were all flawed. However, as mentioned above, "JL" has its flaws. Does this make "JL" bad? No way! Can this show be better though? Yes, it can be, but one must realize that this is only the pilot episode and the story is just beginning to unfold. Many, many stories are still come, which look to incite new viewers who may have never heard of Green Lantern or Martian Manhunter before, while still attracting the audience who have been loyal fans for years. This reviewer most certainly enjoyed the pilot. Bruce W. Timm and his talented team of writers and artists at Warner Bros. Animation have delivered once again. The future looks very exciting, as "Justice League" will only get better. Teamed with "Samurai Jack," Monday nights are truly "must see" television on Cartoon Network.
Rating out 10, 1 being the worst, 10 being the best:
7/10 - Recommended