James Harvey
01-29-2002, 04:00 PM
Before I get going, let me introduce a new addition to Toon Zone News, a column dedicated to the animated Justice League. The day after a new episode of Justice League, expect to see this column, an indepth critique of the episode. Without further adieu....
Justice League Critiqued
By Anthony Garritano
First, I'd like to thank the people at Toon Zone for giving me the opportunity to provide you all with my two cents on every new episode of Justice League going forward. I intend to take full advantage of this opportunity and give you my critique of the episode in a format that won't bore you to pieces. In fact, I'm hoping I'll ruffle a few feathers in the end. So, without further lip service, here's what I think of "Paradise Lost" part two.
My Critique
"Paradise Lost" owned up to its name in the second half of this epic quest that showcased the heart, determination and character of Wonder Woman. The Amazon princess fought valiantly in both installments of this episode to save her mother and sisters only to be exiled in the end. In short, Wonder Woman's dreams of returning home to her mother were forever dismissed. Her paradise was truly lost. Despite the bittersweet ending, all was not completely lost as the fans were treated to a dazzling episode with great animation and character development.
To start with the animation, I just can't give Timm & Company enough praise. The flashback sequence done in the style of true Grecian vase was both poignant and captivating, it's no wonder Timm did it himself. Also, the scene where Lord Hades invoked the lost souls was very well done. The way the skeletal creatures arose from the ground below was creepy, scary and graphic at points. This scene showcased the brooding, almost horrific nature of this tale.
On to characterization Justice League fans. In addition to Wonder Woman, most of the other leaguers had a good deal of character-revealing moments. Flash's statement that Lord Hades' breath was less than stellar was a comic high point, not to mention when he blatantly hit on one of Wonder Woman's sisters, yes I do mean in the sexual sense. As usual Batman proved his detective skills when he figured out who Felix Faust was. And Superman had a very touching scene with Wonder Woman when he expressed great joy that she was on his side after she had beaten him quite badly.
Now for the main event, Wonder Woman in all her glory. The Amazon proved in this episode that she is no shrinking violet. Wonder Woman sacrificed all to save her people, even if it meant breaking her world's most sacred law. In a fight scene that showcased her abilities, she destroyed a sacred relic, went toe to toe with a god and saved her mother from certain death by literally clawing her way to safety. Wonder Woman is a true hero that won't be ignored again after this episode.
In closing, this was a superior showing. The story was touching. The characterization was on point. Wonder Woman by far deserves her place as one of the three greatest heroes to grace the DCU pantheon. So, Mr. Timm, bring on more Wonder Woman stories, I'm waiting.
<center><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/01.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-01.jpg width=120 height=90><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/02.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-02.jpg width=120 height=90></a><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/03.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-03.jpg width=120 height=90></a><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/04.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-04.jpg width=120 height=90></a></center>
The Fan Response
"Well, I thought this was a great episode. This was probably the best ep animation-wise so far. I found a lot of the sequences to look absolutely gorgeous. Flash had some especially compelling eye candy, specifically the shot of him running straight towards the screen. Great.
I liked the story as well. The flashback sequence wasn't quite what I expected, but it turned out better. Bruce Timm drew some great scenes, especially that last one. Everything seemed to really gel together with the team.
I was pleased with the ending, too. I was not expecting it at all, but it really seemed to fit. This show isn't about the Superfriends, but the Justice League. There's bound to be some not-so-happy endings. They really surprised me with that one." -- bloodone
"Wow, what an ending to "Paradise Lost"... that was one that would probably scare the kiddies, I know the skeletons certainly got to me a little. Lord Hades was one mean guy, if the League can last against him, everything else should be pretty easy. The action in this one was great, the voice acting was right on, and the animation was awesome!" -- Trent Lane
"A fantastic episode!! The eps have really improved from such earlier ones like "Secret Origins" and "In Blackest Night." The voice acting is extremely better. If Susan Eisenberg keeps this up, I won't have much left to complain about!The ending was quite a shock and I felt myself sypmathising with Diana. This had some stellar animation, and it looks as if Timm and Co went all out. If this is the last of the 'Hollywood-esque' endings, than they went out with a bang." -- Livewire
For more postivie & negative comments on the episode, go <a href="http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=141313#post141313">HERE</a>.
To Close
Thanks for reading the first installment of "Justice League Critiqued." I've been given the green light by the powers that be at Toon Zone to write a follow up to each article where I would comment on your critique of my critique. If you want this to happen e-mail me at agarritano@remediainc.com because I can't do it if you're not interested in giving me your reaction first. Did I strike a chord? Or, maybe you agree with me? E-mail me your thoughts. Anyway, see you next time.
Justice League Critiqued
By Anthony Garritano
First, I'd like to thank the people at Toon Zone for giving me the opportunity to provide you all with my two cents on every new episode of Justice League going forward. I intend to take full advantage of this opportunity and give you my critique of the episode in a format that won't bore you to pieces. In fact, I'm hoping I'll ruffle a few feathers in the end. So, without further lip service, here's what I think of "Paradise Lost" part two.
My Critique
"Paradise Lost" owned up to its name in the second half of this epic quest that showcased the heart, determination and character of Wonder Woman. The Amazon princess fought valiantly in both installments of this episode to save her mother and sisters only to be exiled in the end. In short, Wonder Woman's dreams of returning home to her mother were forever dismissed. Her paradise was truly lost. Despite the bittersweet ending, all was not completely lost as the fans were treated to a dazzling episode with great animation and character development.
To start with the animation, I just can't give Timm & Company enough praise. The flashback sequence done in the style of true Grecian vase was both poignant and captivating, it's no wonder Timm did it himself. Also, the scene where Lord Hades invoked the lost souls was very well done. The way the skeletal creatures arose from the ground below was creepy, scary and graphic at points. This scene showcased the brooding, almost horrific nature of this tale.
On to characterization Justice League fans. In addition to Wonder Woman, most of the other leaguers had a good deal of character-revealing moments. Flash's statement that Lord Hades' breath was less than stellar was a comic high point, not to mention when he blatantly hit on one of Wonder Woman's sisters, yes I do mean in the sexual sense. As usual Batman proved his detective skills when he figured out who Felix Faust was. And Superman had a very touching scene with Wonder Woman when he expressed great joy that she was on his side after she had beaten him quite badly.
Now for the main event, Wonder Woman in all her glory. The Amazon proved in this episode that she is no shrinking violet. Wonder Woman sacrificed all to save her people, even if it meant breaking her world's most sacred law. In a fight scene that showcased her abilities, she destroyed a sacred relic, went toe to toe with a god and saved her mother from certain death by literally clawing her way to safety. Wonder Woman is a true hero that won't be ignored again after this episode.
In closing, this was a superior showing. The story was touching. The characterization was on point. Wonder Woman by far deserves her place as one of the three greatest heroes to grace the DCU pantheon. So, Mr. Timm, bring on more Wonder Woman stories, I'm waiting.
<center><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/01.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-01.jpg width=120 height=90><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/02.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-02.jpg width=120 height=90></a><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/03.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-03.jpg width=120 height=90></a><a href=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/04.jpg target=_blank><img border=0 src=http://www.toonzone.net/shows/justiceleague/images/episode11c/t-04.jpg width=120 height=90></a></center>
The Fan Response
"Well, I thought this was a great episode. This was probably the best ep animation-wise so far. I found a lot of the sequences to look absolutely gorgeous. Flash had some especially compelling eye candy, specifically the shot of him running straight towards the screen. Great.
I liked the story as well. The flashback sequence wasn't quite what I expected, but it turned out better. Bruce Timm drew some great scenes, especially that last one. Everything seemed to really gel together with the team.
I was pleased with the ending, too. I was not expecting it at all, but it really seemed to fit. This show isn't about the Superfriends, but the Justice League. There's bound to be some not-so-happy endings. They really surprised me with that one." -- bloodone
"Wow, what an ending to "Paradise Lost"... that was one that would probably scare the kiddies, I know the skeletons certainly got to me a little. Lord Hades was one mean guy, if the League can last against him, everything else should be pretty easy. The action in this one was great, the voice acting was right on, and the animation was awesome!" -- Trent Lane
"A fantastic episode!! The eps have really improved from such earlier ones like "Secret Origins" and "In Blackest Night." The voice acting is extremely better. If Susan Eisenberg keeps this up, I won't have much left to complain about!The ending was quite a shock and I felt myself sypmathising with Diana. This had some stellar animation, and it looks as if Timm and Co went all out. If this is the last of the 'Hollywood-esque' endings, than they went out with a bang." -- Livewire
For more postivie & negative comments on the episode, go <a href="http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=141313#post141313">HERE</a>.
To Close
Thanks for reading the first installment of "Justice League Critiqued." I've been given the green light by the powers that be at Toon Zone to write a follow up to each article where I would comment on your critique of my critique. If you want this to happen e-mail me at agarritano@remediainc.com because I can't do it if you're not interested in giving me your reaction first. Did I strike a chord? Or, maybe you agree with me? E-mail me your thoughts. Anyway, see you next time.